GOAL US looks at who thrived, and who fell short in the group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup
So the tournament has been split in half – 16 teams are out, and 16 teams remain, as the first winner of the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup looks to be crowned this summer in the U.S.
There were some shocking exits in the group stage, including European heavyweights Atletico Madrid and FC Porto – both of which saw Brazilian clubs advance ahead, Palmeiras and Botafogo. Lackluster performances played roles in those exits, but top individual performances have carried teams to incredible results, too.
For Palmeiras, starlet Estevao has dazzled, even though he hasn't scored yet. Set to join Chelsea after the tournament, he's become a must-watch. The themselves, meanwhile, have seen new forward Liam Delap break out, while starting striker Nicolas Jackson let them down after another costly red card.
For Atletico, star forward Julian Alvarez misfired across the group stage. The same goes for LAFC and striker Olivier Giroud – who will be an LAFC striker no more.
In the most storybook performance of the opening round, legendary Argentine winger Angel Di Maria carried Benfica into the knockouts with three goals – coming in his last competition for the club before returning to Argentina.
GOAL US takes looks at whose stock is up, and whose stock is down, entering the CWC knockouts.
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGetty ImagesStock Up: Liam Delap
Welcome to Chelsea, Liam Delap.
The England youth international and former Ipswich Town star signed for Chelsea ahead of the competition, and three games in, he looks the real deal. The 22-year-old scored his first goal for the club in their knockout-clinching victory over Esperance, and on Matchday One, bagged an assist in a win over LAFC.
He's shown manager Enzo Maresca that he has quickly adapted to their system and capitalized on the moment handed to him due to Nicolas Jackson's suspension.
"We know Liam is going to score goals for us, we don’t have any doubts about that," Maresca said after the Flamengo game, where he scored his first. "Against Flamengo he had three clear chances to score goals, so that is a good feeling because it means he is there, he is in the right position and doing well.
"We expect the process to be quite quick with Liam because we know him and he knows us in the way we want to play."
AdvertisementGettyStock Down: Nicolas Jackson
It's unfortunate Jackson sitting where he is, but he only has himself to blame. He earned a costly red card in the penultimate game of the regular season, and then on Matchday two against Flamengo, he earned a straight red once again – his second in three games.
It was an accidental tackle, and there was no malicious intent, but he was rightfully dismissed. He's now suspended for their quarterfinal match against Benfica. The striker apologized on social media for his actions, posting: "No excuses. I take full responsibility. I'll reflect, I'll grow, and I'll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry."
However, there's no sugarcoating it: he was reckless and it nearly cost his team. And he's now handed Delap an opportunity to take his starting spot.
Getty Images SportStock Up: Angel Di Maria
Waving goodbye to European football, Di Maria has inspired Benfica all throughout the Group Stage, seeing them through to the knockout round while topping their group. The Argentina legend scored three goals and is one of five players tied for the Golden Boot lead.
He began their comeback draw against Boca Juniors, sinking home from the penalty spot before scoring a brace in their 6-0 rout of Auckland City. In their massive win over Bayern, he logged 87 minutes. Having retired from last summer, he's getting one last dance, and it's a spectacle to watch.
Getty Images SportStock Down: Julian Alvarez
Goalless across the group stage, Alvarez let Diego Simeone's squad down. After entering the competition in good form, bagging the winner on a FIFA World Cup qualifier over Chile for Argentina, expectations were high for the 25-year-old. However, he came up short against the Seattle Sounders, Paris Saint-Germain, and Botafogo.
To his credit, he did earn an assist in their win over the Brazilian side, but his goal-scoring prowess was missing for the La Liga side. In such In tournaments, players of his caliber need to be held accountable for not stepping up in big moments.
